DOD: Iraqi Offensive Against ISIS ‘a Ways Off’

Despite Iraqi security forces taking back territory from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS or ISIL), they are not ready to launch a “major offensive” against the terror group, the Defense Department’s top spokesman said Tuesday.

“We recognize that [while] a major offensive against ISIL may still be a ways off, these are encouraging reports that highlight Iraq’s determination to take the fight to ISIL,” Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

He ticked off a series of instances where Iraqi government forces, with the backing of airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition, have made gains. […]